(HealthDay News) -- Sleep apnea, most often characterized by loud snoring, occurs when breathing pauses briefly or becomes shallow during sleep. This often results in poor sleep and can make a person very tired during the day.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says common symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

• Very loud and persistent snoring, with occasional pauses. Choking or gasping sounds may follow these pauses.
• Snoring that is worse when sleeping on the back.
• Daytime drowsiness.
• Having a headache or a dry throat when the person wakes in the morning.
• Difficulty concentrating, learning and remembering.
• Irritability, depression or changes in personality.